The Courageous Life

Thupten Jinpa holds his Ph.D. from Cambridge University and has been the principal English translator to the Dalai Lama since 1985. He has translated and collaborated on numerous books by the Dalai Lama including the New York Times Bestsellers Ethics for the New Millennium and The Art of Happiness. He is also the author of A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives and is the main author of Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) developed for Stanford University in 2009. In this conversation, Jinpa and I sat down to explore a variety of topics related to compassion including:-How compassion differs from empathy-How compassion can be trained and the some of the neuroscience behind it-What Jinpa has learned about compassion from the Dalai Lama-How compassion training may be the next big wave (particularly in healthcare settings) after mindfulness-How compassion may be able to help bring us together, overcome tribalism and decrease polarizationIf you enjoyed this episode check out www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for all episodes, show notes, and more. More background on Thupten Jinpa:Thupten Jinpa, Ph.D. was trained as a monk at the Shartse College of Ganden Monastic University, South India, where he received the Geshe Lharam degree. Jinpa also holds a B.A. in philosophy and a Ph.D. in religious studies, both from Cambridge University.Jinpa has been the principal English translator to H.H. the Dalai Lama since 1985, and has translated and collaborated on numerous books by the Dalai Lama including the New York Times Bestsellers Ethics for the New Millennium and The Art of Happiness, as well as Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World. His own publications include A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives and translations of major Tibetan works featured in The Library of Tibetan Classics series. Jinpa is the main author of Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) developed for Stanford University in 2009. A frequent speaker at various international conferences on mindfulness, compassion, and contemplative practice, Jinpa serves as an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Religious Studies at McGill University, Montreal and is the founder and president of the Institute of Tibetan Classics. He has been a core member of the Mind and Life Institute and its Chairman of the Board since January 2012.Support the show

Mark Nepo is a world renowned poet, story teller, teacher, New York Times best-selling author and past guest on Oprah Winfrey’s: Super Soul Sunday. In this episode we sat down to explore many topics from his teachings, his life, and his new book, More Together Than Alone, including:Loneliness and it’s antidoteBuilding community, connection, and belongingMark’s creative process and how he approaches writingMark’s journey with cancer and how that has impacted his life and his workCourage and compassionIf you enjoyed this episode please visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for links to show notes, all other episodes, and more!Mark's background:Mark Nepo moved and inspired readers and seekers all over the world with his #1 New York Times bestseller The Book of Awakening.  Beloved as a poet, teacher, and storyteller, Mark has been called "one of the finest spiritual guides of our time," "a consummate storyteller," and "an eloquent spiritual teacher." His work is widely accessible and used by many and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages.  A bestselling author, he has published twenty books and recorded fourteen audio projects.  In 2015, he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation.  And in 2016, he was named by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit as one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People, and was also chosen as one of OWN's SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity.  Mark was part of Oprah Winfrey's The Life You Want Tour in 2014 and has appeared several times with Oprah on her Super Soul Sunday program on OWN TV.  He has also been interviewed by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. Mark continues to offer readings, lectures, and retreats. For more on Mark, visit www.marknepo.comSupport the show

In this episode - Author, renowned meditation teacher, and Senior Director of the NYU Global and Spiritual Life Center, Yael Shy, and I sat down to discuss:Mindfulness (what it is, and why many people practice)How mindfulness and meditation can support people as they navigate major life transitions (like going to college, starting a career, becoming a parent, etc) Why mindfulness can be considered a form of courageHow meditation can help with challenges and difficulties including strong emotions, and feelings of anxietyMore topics out of her outstanding new book: What Now? Meditation for Your Twenties and BeyondIf you enjoyed this episode you can find all episodes, show notes, and more at www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcastYael's background: Yael is the Senior Director of the NYU Global Spiritual Life Center and the NYU 'Of Many' Institute for Multifaith and Spiritual Leadership, as well as the Founder and Director of MindfulNYU, the largest campus-wide mindfulness initiative in the country. She teaches regularly at MNDFL in NYC and is a sought after speaker, teacher, and writer on meditation, interfaith engagement and spirituality. She is the author of the award-winning book, What Now? Meditation for Your Twenties and Beyond (Parallax, November 2017). If you are interested to learn more about Yael, please visit: https://www.yaelshy.comSupport the show

Drs. James and Janice Prochaska, and I, sat down to discuss a wide variety of topics related to their new book, Changing to Thrive. Some key highlights include: How we can successfully make changes in our lives, around our health, or in our work that we may have put off, or struggled with in the pastOvercoming fear and other obstacles that hold us back from changingOvercoming self-doubt, and discouragement Finding the courage to changeHow to skillfully support people as they go through the process of changeEvidence-based strategies for thrivingIf you enjoyed this episode you visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for show notes and more!Background (selected highlights from bio):James O. Prochaska is Director of Cancer Prevention Research Center and Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Rhode Island. He is the author of over 400 publications, including four books, Changing to Thrive, Changing for Good, Systems of Psychotherapy, and The Transtheoretical Approach. Additionally, Dr. Prochaska is internationally recognized for his work as a developer of the stage model of behavior change and is the founder of Pro-Change Behavior Systems. He has also recently been recognized as one of the top three most preeminent clinical psychologists. For more about James or Janice Prochaska please visit www.jprochaska.com One of the most published authors in the field of social work, Dr. Janice M. Prochaska has led research and development teams for health behavior and organizational change programs as the CEO at Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc. from 1997 – 2015. Her collaborations include applying the Model to cutting edge issues like simultaneously reducing multiple risk behaviors and enhancing multiple domains of well-being, healthy weight management in children and adults, preventing bullying, keeping individuals out of trouble with the law, and advancing careers with populations like women scientists.Support the show

In this episode I sat down with Professional Coach, Peace Corps Volunteer, Entrepreneur, and Storyteller, Lisa Daron. Lisa has set off on a mission she calls "The Connection Cure" to see if she can heal herself from chronic illness by traveling across the country and forming meaningful moments of connection with people she meets along the way. Topics we explore in this conversation include: -Lisa's journey with chronic illness and how she came up with the idea for the Connection Cure -What micro moments of connection are and the science behind them-Practical ways Lisa deals with fear and doubt -Lessons she learned about forming connection and relationships from her time as a peace corp volunteer -And much more! If you enjoyed this episode, please visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for show notes and more! Background on Lisa: Lisa Daron Grossman has been a practicing certified Professional Coach from the Coaches Training Institute and the International Coaches Federation since 2010. She is a practitioner of Positive Psychology, holds her MFA in Creative Nonfiction writing, BA in Anthropology, and a certificate in Mind-Body Medicine. As a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Lisa draws on fifteen years of learning and experience working with non-profits and NGOs in the public health and arts sectors of Swaziland. Prior to working as a coach Lisa worked with storytelling as a documentary filmmaker, a copywriter for the Smithsonian channel, a New York City tour guide, and a professional team builder for over ten years. Lisa is currently living on the road full-time.Support the show

At the tender age of 15 Alison Canavan was catapulted onto the international stage when she represented Ireland in the Supermodel of the World competition in Las Vegas. This spawned a near 22 year career in the fashion industry, which has taken her to the main fashion capitals of London, Paris, Milan and New York and as far around the world as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Having travelled the world as one of Ireland’s most successful international models for nearly two decades, in recent years she has devoted her time to her greatest passion: true health and wellbeing. In this episode we explore: -Alison's journey from world-renowned fashion model to health and wellness coach, motivational speaker, and award winning author of the book Minding Mum. -The connection between self-acceptance, courage, and happiness -What Alison has learned through recovery from addiction about lasting happiness and what she terms true health and wellbeing -The relationship between mindfulness and peace and happiness -The courage in vulnerability -Strategies for being more courageous, and attaining meaningful personal or professional goals If you enjoyed this episode please visit: www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for show notes and links to all other episodes. More background on Alison: Helping people to join the dots with their health and wellbeing is Alison’s primary goal and passion. Her interest in nutrition began in 2009 when she started studying Fitness Nutrition Coaching under NESTA (National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association), in the United States. She graduated with distinction in Nutrition and Health Coaching from Irish Institute of Nutrition and Health (IINH). She holds an Advanced Diploma in Diet and Nutrition therapeutics. In addition to these studies Alison is currently continuing her studies in Mindfulness Facilitation at UCLA. She spoke at The Mindful Life Conference in Washington in April 2017. She has lectured in Trinity College on the module of Motherhood and Mental Health. She delivers talks on stress in the workplace to CEO’s and business leaders across the country. Alison has a weekly wellness column in The Sunday Independent in Ireland and has contributed to numerous publications through the years including You Magazine, VIP Magazine, The Daily Mail, and many more. She was also the featured cover story in the June 2018 edition of Mindful Magazine. For more on Alison please visit www.alisoncanavan.comSupport the show

In this episode venerable Buddhist teacher, distinguished visiting scholar at the Library of Congress, and celebrated author, Roshi Joan Halifax Ph.D. sat down to discuss topics including: -Highlights from her studies at the Library of Congress on the science of compassion -How mindfulness and meditation can help us navigate challenging situations in our lives -Putting compassion into action through a process called GRACE -Her pioneering work in end of life care -What she's learned about compassion from her work with dying people and prisoners -Her views on how to live life more courageously and overcome fears If you enjoyed this episode visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for show notes, other episodes from the Courageous Life, and more. Background: Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D., is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, and pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. She is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Institute and Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She received her Ph.D. in medical anthropology in 1973 and has lectured on the subject of death and dying at many academic institutions and medical centers around the world. She received a National Science Foundation Fellowship in Visual Anthropology, was an Honorary Research Fellow in Medical Ethnobotany at Harvard University, and was a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library of Congress. She is Director of the Project on Being with Dying, and Founder of the Upaya Prison Project that develops programs on meditation for prisoners. She is also founder of the Nomads Clinic in Nepal. She studied for a decade with Zen Teacher Seung Sahn and was a teacher in the Kwan Um Zen School. She received the Lamp Transmission from Thich Nhat Hanh, and was given Inka by Roshi Bernie Glassman. A Founding Teacher of the Zen Peacemaker Order and founder of Prajna Mountain Buddhist Order, her work and practice for more than four decades has focused on engaged Buddhism. She is the author of multiple books, with the most recent being: Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet.Support the show

In this long awaited conversation, renowned Stanford Neurosurgeon, New York Times bestselling author of Into the Magic Shop, and founder of the Center for Compassion at Stanford School of Medicine, Dr. James Doty discusses: -His incredible story of wandering into a magic shop at the age of 12 and meeting a woman named Ruth who taught him powerful lessons (in meditation) that would change his life forever. -The science of compassion and how cultivating compassion can impact our physical and mental health -His journey to founding the Center for Compassion at Stanford -What he's learned about compassion from the Dalai Lama -And much more For show notes, other episodes, and all things related to the Courageous Life check out www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast Background: James Doty, MD, is a clinical professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University and the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University School of Medicine. CCARE is a research center that examines the neuroscience of compassion and altruism collaborating with Stanford colleagues in neuroscience and psychology, as well as throughout the world. He trained in neurosurgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and completed fellowships in pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia (CHOP). He also spent 9 years on active duty service in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. Dr. Doty is the author of the New York Times bestseller, Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart that has been translated to over 30 languages. He is also the senior editor of the Oxford Handbook of Compassion Science and Presently is developing collaborative research projects to assess the effect of compassion training on immune function and other physiologic determinates of health, the use of mentoring as a method of instilling compassion in students and the use of compassion training to decrease pain. His work has been quoted in a variety of publications including the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal. He speaks frequently throughout the world on the science of compassion. For more on Dr. Doty visit www.intothemagicshop.comSupport the show

In this conversation acclaimed Stanford Business School Professor, and author, Leah Weiss and I sat down to discuss a variety of topics including: -Why mindfulness and compassion are important in leadership and organizations -What mindfulness and compassion are and are not -How to respond and persevere in the face of failure or negative feedback -What she's learned about communicating and presenting from teaching a wildly popular course on leading with mindfulness and compassion at the Stanford GSB -The relationship between courage and compassion -How experimentation supports behavior change If you enjoyed this episode visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for show notes and more. Background: Leah Weiss, Ph.D., MSW, is a teacher, researcher, and meditation expert at Stanford University specializing in the application of mindfulness and compassion in secular contexts. Her perennially waitlisted course at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Leading with Mindfulness and Compassion, is breaking new ground in an MBA program already famous for innovation. In 2015, she was given the role of Women in Management Facilitator at Stanford business school. As Principal Teacher and Trainer for Stanford’s Compassion Cultivation Training program, founded by the Dalai Lama, Leah developed the curriculum to train more teachers to meet a growing interest in compassion as it applies to people’s work, family, community, and selves. Her first book, How We Work, has recently been released. In addition to her wide range of speaking and consulting work for leading organizations and healthcare settings Leah also works with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she teaches mindfulness and compassion to help veterans cope with post-traumatic stress, and to help VA staff around the Bay Area cope with the stress of their jobs helping veterans. For more on Leah visit www.leahweissphd.comSupport the show

In this episode acclaimed professor, author, speaker, and performance coach Dan Lerner and I explore: -How to answer big questions like what I am going do when I grow up? -The art of achieving success and fulfillment and other insights from his wildly popular science of happiness class at NYU. -How passion isn’t something we often find, but something we develop over time -The difference between harmonious passion and obsessive passion and how harmonious passion can lead to happiness and success -How overnight success is often celebrated even though it’s mostly a myth -The art of teaching and presenting and how to connect in meaningful ways with any audience If you enjoyed this episode visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for show notes and more. Background on Dan: Daniel Lerner is an in-demand speaker, author, strengths-based performance coach and instructor of the science of happiness, one of the most popular undergraduate courses at New York University. Employing cutting-edge research into positive psychology and peak performance, Dan works with students, established and high-potential performing artists, athletes and numerous Fortune 500 companies and executives around the world helping them manage stress and anxiety, achieve well-being, uncover their core strengths and define and realize their own brand of success. With a deep passion for helping the next generation of talent achieve their utmost potential, Dan, along with his co-author and teaching partner Dr. Alan Schlechter, penned U Thrive: How to Succeed in College (and Life). For more on Dan visit www.daniellerner.comSupport the show